Newsletters
Ukraine’s Embassy in Ankara on Monday held a commemoration ceremony marking the fourth anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war, highlighting Türkiye’s support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The event, hosted by Ukraine’s Ambassador to Türkiye, Naryman Dzhelialov, was attended by senior officials, representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Ankara, and invited guests. The ceremony opened with the singing of Ukraine’s national anthem and the hoisting of its national flag.
Dzhelialov said that when the war began four years ago, the world watched with concern, but Ukrainians remained united and resilient.
Hundreds of thousands of people have been killed since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on Feb. 24, 2022, triggering the deadliest conflict on European soil since World War II.
“This war is not only against Ukraine,” Dzhelialov said.
“It is a challenge to the entire international order based on the United Nations Charter and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
He warned that “any agreement that rewards aggression with territorial concessions” would set a dangerous precedent for the international community.
Dzhelialov said Ukraine attaches great importance to its strategic partnership with Türkiye.
“Türkiye consistently supports Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, plays an important role as a mediator, and contributes to prisoner exchanges and humanitarian initiatives,” he said.
Thanking Türkiye for its diplomatic efforts, Dzhelialov recalled that a third round of negotiations held in Istanbul in 2025 helped accelerate the return of more than 2,000 Ukrainian citizens.
Russia and Ukraine held three rounds of renewed peace talks in Istanbul this year, agreeing on exchanges of prisoners and civilians and sharing memorandums outlining their respective approaches to ending the war.
He also referred to Türkiye’s “important role in shaping the future security architecture of the Black Sea region.”
Dzhelialov delivered parts of his remarks in both English and Turkish and thanked international partners for their continued support.
“Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” chants echoed following his speech, according to Türkiye Today’s Ankara bureau chief, who attended the event.
France’s ambassador to Türkiye, Isabelle Dumont, said fighting in the war continues, noting that tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed and hundreds of thousands of people killed or wounded.
She said support for Ukraine is a top priority for the G7, which France chairs this year, adding that the group aims to continue efforts to end the war and support Ukraine and its people.
Dumont said G7 support complements initiatives by the European Union and the Volunteer Coalition led by Türkiye. She noted that the G7+ Coordination Group moved on Jan. 23 to strengthen emergency support for Ukraine’s energy system, making an additional 700 million euros available.
She said G7 partners remain fully committed to securing a just and lasting peace based on strong security guarantees, justice and freedom.
Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Türkiye Jurgis Vilcinskas said that as the war enters its fifth year, it must end in 2026.
“No one wants peace more than Ukraine, but appeasing an aggressor is not an option. Aggression must not be rewarded,” Vilcinskas said.
He said peace must go beyond the absence of war and ensure that future conflict is impossible, adding that Ukraine has shown it is ready for a just and lasting peace.
Vilcinskas said the European Union will continue to support Ukraine and contribute to its rehabilitation and reconstruction for as long as necessary.
As part of the ceremony, an exhibition chronologically documenting the Russia-Ukraine war was organized with the support of the Netherlands’ Embassy in Ankara.
A joint prayer led by Christian and Muslim clergy was also held during the event.
Set as preferred source
Set as preferred source
1 min read
1 min read
